The scene is starting to come together and the details are unfolding after the tornado touchdown. The tornado, which was a F3 occurred Tuesday evening and caused extensive damage to structures in the west portion of the Town of Wheaton in the vicinity of State Hwy 29 in Chippewa County.
A semi driver was injured following a crash on Hwy 29 which resulted from the tornado. A mobile home in the area was overturned and an occupant was reportedly transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries. Several residents who rely on electronic medical devices needed assistance due to power outages. Responders from Chippewa Fire District and mutual-aid departments worked into the night checking on residents and clearing roads.
Numerous trees blocked roads in areas and power was out in some neighborhoods into Wednesday and in select areas, yet this (THURSDAY) morning. Local roads may still present hazards today. Homes along 26th Street south of Hwy 29 were significantly damaged. Storage buildings, barns and outbuildings were also damaged or destroyed. Damage assessment will continue. We are getting a grasp on the numbers and now know that approximately 15 residences experienced significant damage. 13 residences had major damage or were destroyed. Of those 13, four were mobile homes.
Residents are encouraged to use care when operating chainsaws and other equipment during the cleanup. Please use caution around any downed power lines or damaged trees. Volunteers and responders are continuing working on clearing driveways and helping with debris removal.
